A look at what you get when you book a Disney cruise

Disney cruises are a once in a lifetime experience where you get to cruise and enjoy the magic of Disney, from a big ship. Disney currently operates two ships: the Disney Magic, which was launched in 1998 and mainly used for 7-night cruises and special itineraries; and the Disney Wonder, which was launched in 1999 and is primarily used for 3- and 4-night cruises. They are building two additional ships, but as of right now the two mentioned are their only vessels.

The Magic and the Wonder are almost identical except for the interior design. The Magic has a sort of Art Deco theme, while the wonder is more of an Art Nouveau. Both are 83,000-ton vessels with 875 staterooms.

Disney cruises are fairly limited when it comes to options, you can take a 7-night, or a 3-4 night cruise, and you can go to the East Caribbean or the West. However, they do offer some other fun options. For example, you can opt for the land and sea packages where you spend a few days basking in the fun and excitement of Walt Disney World Resort, then embark on a Caribbean cruise adventure. Thus getting Disney on land and on sea. Most of these package deals are with the 3-4 night cruises, so you spend a week of Disney fun.

If you want updated information about Disney cruises you can join the Castaway Club, which offers information, and member-only offers, etc.

If you are thinking about taking a Disney cruise you can log on to their website and they will send you a Disney Cruise Planning DVD, which offers an extensive video tour of a Disney cruise, including the Caribbean ports-of-call and the ships' dazzling amenities, etc. That way you can see if cruising with Disney is going to be what it seems, and whether or not you will think it is worth the expense.

One of the reasons so many people enjoy cruising with Disney is that they offer something for everyone:

For the little ones, (3-7) there are Disney Character meetings, puppet shows, circus activities, space adventures to Infinity and beyond, and more. There are several activities aboard this ship that are designed specifically for the age range mentioned, and will keep your child entertained the whole cruise through. The Disney cruise line offers what is called the Oceaneer Club, which is just for kids ages 3-7. If offers a great play area designed like Captain Hook's ship, as well as many activities to help them enjoy the world of fantasy.

For people of all ages there are live shows performed on the cruise, including Disney productions of your favorite Disney movies. You will be dazzled and awed by the brilliant Broadway-style productions with all the singing, dancing, costumes and special effects, it is sure to keep you and your little ones well entertained. The Cruise claims that “Magic is always in the air at the Walt Disney Theatre!” and it really is.

One of the most exciting parts of a Disney cruise is the Character Experiences. Lots of your child’s favorite Disney characters will be aboard the ship ready and willing to take pictures with your kids, and sign their autographs so your child will have the memories of the Disney cruise for the rest of their life.

If families with babies and really small children can catch some relief on the Disney cruise with the Flounder's Reef Nursery. It is offered for kids 12 weeks to 36 months, and is designed to help them feel at home in a group babysitting setting. The staff is well trained, and the ratio is just right. The pricing is $6 per hour first child, $5 an hour additional child, with a 2 hour minimum.

Scuttle's Cove is another great part of a Disney cruise. It is for all kids, ages 3-12, there are a bunch of beach activities, water activities, and of course, the favorite, the momentous Monstro Point, where they can "dig" for massive whale bones.

Pagers are given to kids 3-12 so parents can stay in touch, and you do not have to worry about your children while on the ship. This means you can have hours of fun and know that your kids are only a page away.

Disney cruises are both elegant and family friendly, you still eat on china during the formal dinners, it is just china with a subtle mouse print. Disney offers one of the most unique cruise experiences afloat.

What makes Disney cruises different? Well, one of the things is the innovations that make it so classy and yet family friendly. For example, there are cabins with a bath-and-a-half and a rotating dining room schedule in which passengers eat at three different restaurants. You still have the same tablemates and wait staff, but your kids can try different cuisine. Disney also started the "soda card" concept, an idea which has been picked up by competitors. However, now you can get soda for free in the three restaurants and at the self-service beverage station on the pool deck. Any person with children can appreciate this innovative idea.

However, it is not so much what the Disney cruise has that makes them such a good choice for family friendly cruising as what they do not have. Disney ships don't have: casinos or libraries.

Each of the Disney ships were given a face lift in 2004, and three new public spaces were added aboard each ship: Diversions, Cove Cafe and a new place for teens that is sort of like a coffee shop/dorm room.

Cove Cafe is the adults-only coffee bar. So, when you need a break from all the magic of Disney characters and happy screaming children, you can head toward the Quiet Cove pool, and hit up the Café. There are comfortable couches, televisions, and internet access for those that want to pay to access their emails or check on the real world while aboard their cruise. The Cove Café also offers many magazines to read, on the shelves.

Diversions is a great place for the sports enthusiasts. It is styled after an English sports pub. You can relax, catch up on sports, and enjoy the atmosphere. The former ESPN Skybox, has now become a space for teens, where they can relax and hang out without children or adults.

In addition to the public spaces designed with the typical family in mind, the cabins spare no comfort. They have received better quality mattresses, thicker towels (including bath sheets) and sateen bed linens.

Both of the Disney cruise ships offer the same onboard activities.

They both offer various ways to enjoy Disney shows. They offer the elaborate Walt Disney Theater, which resembles a plush Broadway house, and features live productions. The Buena Vista Cinema, which features Disney Corp. flicks, from all ages. And, the Studio Sea which is styled like a television sound stage and offers a forum for G-rated floor shows.

What would a cruise be without fun in the sun? The Disney cruise ships have three pools. The main event area, in the center, where the whole family can go to soak in the sun. The pool for younger kids with a 200-ft. Mickey water-slide, and a small sprinkler tub for toddlers. And, thank heavens, an adults-only pool, for when you want to get away a little.

Both Disney ships offer an extensive array of sports options.

When it comes to food, Disney is not behind the curve. They have a boutique eatery featuring northern Italian cuisine called Palo, which is a great place for adults to get away and relax, no children allowed. With this eatery you will want to make reservations right away when you get onboard because they space is limited, and it fills up fast.

The spa is also off-limits to children and is a great experience, one of the highlights is its rain forest steam room.

There are also adult-dedicated areas of night clubs called "Beat Street" on Magic,and "Route 66" on Wonder; among the options at each are a piano bar, dance club and sports pub. However, these do not really compare to other cruises’ night life type activities.

The cabins on the Disney cruise are great for people with families because they are larger than normal, and have tubs, verandas, a television, minibar, and a hair dryer.

One part of the Disney cruise that is exclusive to Disney is the stop at Castaway Cay, a privately owned island. Once signed in onboard the ship, your children are automatically enrolled in the children's programs on Castaway Cay. There are supervised games for the individual age groups, and bike riding, but not swimming, so if your kids want to swim while on Castaway Cay, you will have to take them.

Both ships have Disney character appearances scheduled several times daily on the private island, and onboard the ship.

A Disney cruise is a lot of fun, and the perfect family vacation for families that have children of mixed ages.